For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to concerns about food safety, although individual states have the authority to implement their own regulations regarding raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional value of milk, proponents of raw milk contend that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk while addressing safety issues through a method that bypasses both pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated above 53°C, yet the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising interest in raw milk products may reflect a larger trend, as consumers increasingly prefer foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Although overall milk consumption has been on a steady decline since the 1970s, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of whole milk. This shift may be influenced by recent studies suggesting that milk fat could be more beneficial to health than previously believed. Additionally, sales of organic milk are also on the rise.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS status, a process that involves independent expert assessments of safety. This designation requires the company to be ready to defend its product’s safety, although it does not undergo the systematic checks performed by the FDA for FDA-approved GRAS status. Furthermore, the company aims to penetrate the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new offerings, which are intended to enhance performance and recovery. This sector experienced a 12% growth last year, as reported by Euromonitor International. As demand for calcium-rich products increases, particularly in the context of sports nutrition, Tamarack Biotics is poised to cater to consumers seeking high-calcium options in their diets.